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Cass County administrator faces domestic assault charges

MOORHEAD — Keith Berndt, the county administrator for North Dakota’s Cass County, faces two charges of fifth-degree domestic assault in Clay County.

Both charges, involving an alleged physical assault on a minor, are misdemeanors, according to documents filed at the Clay County Courthouse and the Moorhead Police Department.

Berndt, 53, is charged with committing an act with intent to cause fear of immediate bodily harm or death, and intentionally inflicting or attempting to inflict bodily harm.

According to the police report, a Moorhead school resource police officer at Horizon Middle School was contacted Feb. 4 by a person who is required to report any alleged physical assault on a minor. A police officer was assigned to investigate.

The citation says the offenses took place at the Berndt residence Feb. 2.

Police Lt. Tory Jacobson said the investigation is open and follow-up interviews and reports are still being taken. Berndt was not arrested.

A court date has been set for March 25 in Clay County District Court.

Berndt was on the job Wednesday, a Cass County human resources staff member said.

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